Disposable incontinence diaper

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a disposable incontinence diaper (2), with a main part (4) comprising a front region (12), a rear region (16) with rear lateral longitudinal edges (18), and rear side portions (22) attached on both sides to the rear region (16), whereas no side portions (22) are attached to the front region (14), and instead front lateral longitudinal edges (14) of the main part (4) form a free-ending longitudinal edge of the diaper, wherein the rear side portions (22) can each be placed in a circumferential direction around the body of a user, in order to apply and close the disposable incontinence diaper (2) on the user, and can be brought into an overlapping arrangement with an outer face of the front region (12) at which they can then be affixed releasably via the respective closure means (28), wherein the rear side portions (22) have an extent Q in the transverse direction (10) in the state when spread out flat but not stretched, wherein the rear side portions (22) are elastically extensible within this extent Q in the transverse direction (10) and for this purpose have an elastic or elasticated region (42) extended in the transverse direction (10) and in the longitudinal direction (8), wherein this extent Q in the transverse direction (10) comprises a proximal portion (38), adjoining the rear lateral longitudinal edge (18), and a free-ending distal portion (40), and wherein the proximal portion (38), starting from the rear lateral longitudinal edge (18), extends in the transverse direction (10) by a length that is 65% of the extent Q of a rear side portion (22), characterized in that the respective elastic or elasticated region (42) of the rear side portions (22) is arranged completely within the proximal portion (38) and reaches the assigned rear lateral longitudinal edge (18) or is at a distance of at most 30 mm from the rear lateral longitudinal edge (18) in the transverse direction (10), and in that the respective rear side portions (22) are substantially non-extensible in the entire distal portion (40).

The invention relates to a disposable incontinence diaper, having a mainpart having an absorbent element and a longitudinal direction and atransverse direction, comprising a front region having forward laterallongitudinal peripheries, a back region having rearward laterallongitudinal peripheries, and disposed therebetween a crotch region thatcomes to lie between the legs of a user, and having rearward sideportions which are joined to the back region on both sides and which inthe transverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaper extendbeyond the rearward lateral longitudinal peripheries of the main partand in the region of the free end of said rearward side portions in thetransverse direction carry in each case at least one closure means,whereas no side portions are joined to the front region, but rather theforward lateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part form afree-ending longitudinal periphery of the diaper, wherein the rearwardside portions for placing and closing the disposable incontinence diaperon a user are in each case capable of being placed in a circumferentialdirection around the body of the user and are capable of being broughtto an arrangement that overlaps with an external side of the frontregion on which said rearward side portions by way of the respectiveclosure means are in each case capable of adhering in a releasablemanner, wherein the rearward side portions in a planar spread-out butnot elongated state have an extent Q in the transverse direction beyondthe respective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, wherein alongitudinal central axis LM of the rearward side portions bisects theextent Q, and wherein the rearward side portions within this extent Qare elastically elongatable in the transverse direction and to this endhave an elastic or elasticized region that extends in the transversedirection and in the longitudinal direction, wherein this extent of therearward side portions in the transverse direction comprises a proximalportion that adjoins the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and afree-ending distal portion that adjoins the proximal portion.

A disposable incontinence diaper of this type is a so-called T-shapeddiaper which fundamentally differs from other diaper concepts. In thecase of T-shaped diapers of this type as are described, for example, inWO 2007/035903 A1, side portions are joined to the main part only in theback region, while the diaper in the front region does not have anyadditional side portions joined thereto but is delimited by respectivelateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part. The rearward sideportions in most instances project in the longitudinal direction of thediaper, but are typically shorter than the extent of the rearwardlateral longitudinal peripheries of the main part in the back region.The rearward side portions of T-shaped diapers in the transversedirection extend in such a manner that said rearward side portions canbe brought to overlap with the external side of the front region of themain part, in order that closure means that are provided in the regionof the respective free ends of the rearward side portions can be closedon the external side of the main part of the diaper.

As opposed thereto, so-called belt diapers in which very long beltportions extend away on both sides in the transverse direction from theback region of the main diaper part are widely known, said belt portionsbeing dimensioned in such a manner that the latter can be closed onthemselves around the entire stomach circumference of the user. When abelt diaper is being placed for wearing, the product is placed frombehind against the hip or back region of the user, and the two beltportions are thereafter closed directly on one another on the stomachside of the user. No oblique tensile forces whatsoever are introducedinto the belt or the main part herein, but a force that acts only in thecircumferential direction of the hip is exerted on both belt portions.Thereafter, the main diaper part is retrieved from between the legs ofthe user and by means of further closure elements is positioned andfixed in most instances against the external side of the previouslyclosed belt. Regions of the belt portions have also already beenconfigured so as to be elastic, e.g. EP 2 029 079 B1.

In the case of the T-shaped diapers being discussed here, in which therearward side portions are closed on the external side of the frontregion of the main diaper part, high tensile forces are often introducedinto the side portions and into the main diaper part when closing,because the user or a carer when placing the diaper endeavors toestablish an obvious overlap situation between the rearward sideportions and the front region of the main part and herein tosimultaneously introduce the tensile force that is required for a tightfit of the diaper into the overall system such that the diaper is alsodurably held on the user. Oblique tensile forces also arise herein inthe care situation, the former thus being tensile forces which besides acomponent in the transverse direction have a component in thelongitudinal direction, this leading to critical situations in theregion where the rearward side portions join the main part. Tearing ofthe side portions or severing of the join connection often arisestherein. In the case of belt diapers as well as in the case of diapershaving side portions joined to the front and the rear this problemarises to a significantly lesser extent. The kinematics of placing forwearing in the case of belt diapers is completely different, and in thecase of diapers having rearward and forward side portions a typicalplacing situation is already established by way of the overlap betweenthe respective rearward and forward side portions.

The present invention is based on the object of improving a T-shapeddisposable incontinence diaper of the type mentioned at the outset suchthat tensile forces, in particular oblique tensile forces, that arisewhen placing the diaper on the body of the user to a lesser extent leadto damage to the diaper materials, wherein the capability of acost-effective production of the article is nevertheless to beimplemented.

This object in the case of a disposable incontinence diaper of the typementioned is achieved according to the invention in that the respectiveelastic or elasticized region of the rearward side portions is disposedcompletely within the proximal portion and reaches up to the assignedrearward lateral longitudinal periphery, or in the transverse directionhas a spacing of at most 30 mm from the rearward lateral longitudinalperiphery, and in that the respective rearward side portions in theentire distal portion are configured so as to be substantiallynon-elongatable. In the context of the present invention it appliesherein that according to the definition the proximal portion, proceedingfrom the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, in the transversedirection extends across a length which is 65% of the extent Q of arearward side portion. This means that the distal portion extends acrossa length which is 35% of the extent Q.

By way of the present invention it has been recognized that elasticallyelongatable regions at the rearward side portions when placing thediaper do not contribute toward any improvement when said elasticallyelongatable regions in the transverse direction are disposed so as to betoo remote from the back region of the main part of the diaper. On thecontrary, said elastically elongatable regions lead to the user, or acarer, feeling obliged to apply an even greater tensile force andelongation. It has been established that elongatable, in particularelastically elongatable, regions in the respective distal portion of therearward side portions can be dispensed with without any replacement,this reducing the production costs as a result of the reduction in termsof elastic or elasticized materials which in most instances areexpensive.

When mention of the properties “elastically elongatable”, “elongatable”,or “non-elongatable” is made in the present application in the contextof the rearward side portions, the respective property is at all timesintended to refer to the transverse direction of the disposableincontinence diaper. With a view to quantifiably delineating elasticallyelongatable regions from non-elongatable or not elastically elongatableregions, reference is made to the measuring or testing methods describedfurther below.

It furthermore proves advantageous for the respective elastic orelasticized region of the rearward side portions to reach up to theassigned rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, without howeveroverlapping the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery. In a refinementof this inventive concept, the spacing in the transverse direction of arespective elastic or elasticized region of the rearward side portionsfrom the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery is at most 20 mm, inparticular at most 10 mm. This opens up the possibility of there beingno elongatable side portion materials provided in the direct transitionfrom that region of the side portion that lies outside the main part toa region of the side portion that overlaps with the main part, thisincreasing the stability of the join connection.

It therefore also proves advantageous for the two rearward side,conjointly with a non-elongatable region that overlaps the main part,portions to be non-releasably joined to the main part.

It is furthermore proposed that the side portions are configured suchthat in the introduction of conventional forces that simulate the usesituation in the transverse direction, the respective elastic orelasticized region in the transverse direction is elongatable by atleast 70%, in particular by at least 80%, furthermore particularly by atleast 90%. This herein refers to an elongation capability which is notassociated with any durable significant plastic deformation, let aloneany damage to the material, but one that permits and causes an elasticrecovery of the elongated side portions. The values are determined bythe corresponding application of the measuring or testing methodsdescribed further below.

According to one preferred embodiment it is provided that the elastic orelasticized region of the rearward side portions engages across thelongitudinal central axis LM of a respective rearward side portion, thusin the transverse direction extends beyond the longitudinal central axisLM in the direction toward the free longitudinal periphery of therearward side portions. The dimension of the extent beyond thelongitudinal central axis LM is preferably at most 30 mm, in particularat most 20 mm, furthermore particularly at least 5 mm.

The main part preferably comprises a top sheet that is liquid-permeableat least in regions, and a back sheet that is liquid-impermeable atleast in regions, said top sheet and back sheet surrounding theabsorbent element in the manner of a sandwich. To this end, the topsheet and the back sheet at least in the transverse direction,preferably also in the longitudinal direction, extend beyond the contourperipheries of the absorbent element in order for a respectiveprojection to be formed. The top sheet and the back sheet are preferablyinterconnected at least in regions in the projection, in particular byway of joining methods known per se, such as welding, sealing, oradhesive bonding.

The main part in the crotch region on both sides, so as to be adjacentto a respective longitudinal periphery of the crotch region,advantageously has in each case one elastic or elasticized portion thatextends in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinencediaper, consequently has an elastic or elasticized leg opening portion.“In the longitudinal direction” herein means that the elastic orelasticized leg opening portion has at least one component in thelongitudinal direction, said elastic or elasticized leg opening portionconsequently also potentially running obliquely or in a curved manner inrelation to the longitudinal direction. To this end, elastic threads(Lycra®, or similar) known per se to a person skilled in the art arefixed in a pretensioned state to the materials that form the main part,preferably to the top sheet and/or the back sheet of the main part, inparticular in a region in which the top sheet and/or the back sheet forma projection outside the contour peripheries of the absorbent element.According to one variant, an elastic or elasticized leg opening portioncan also be formed by planar or tape-shaped materials such as elastictapes, films, non-woven materials, or foam materials.

The absorbent element is suitable and specified for absorbing andpermanently storing bodily fluids, in particular urine. To this end, theabsorbent element, in particular to an extent of 5 to 100 percent byweight, preferably of 10 to 95 percent by weight, furthermore preferablyof 15 to 90 percent by weight, and particularly preferably of 20 to 80percent by weight, can advantageously contain super-absorbent polymermaterial (SAP). The SAP material can typically absorb at least 15 timesits own weight of a 0.9 percent by weight saline solution (measuredaccording to the EDANA test method ERT 441.2-02).

The SAP material can be configured so as to be, for example, particulateor fibrous, or in the form of sheets or foam.

The absorbent element can contain further materials such as cellulosefibers (wood pulp) or synthetic fibers. It is furthermore conceivablefor the absorbent element to be configured by an arrangement of one or aplurality of layers of different materials, in particular from anon-woven material.

The absorbent element is preferably an integral part of the main partand in such a case is connected to the further components of the mainpart in an non-releasable manner ex works. In such a case, the absorbentelement is preferably connected in a non-releasable manner to a topsheet and/or to a back sheet of the main part.

According to an alternative embodiment the absorbent element isreleasable from the further components of the main part, in particularfor the purpose of the separate disposal of the used absorbent elementcharged with bodily fluids. In this case it can be advantageous for theabsorbent element to be provided ex works separately from the othercomponents of the main part and for means for connecting the absorbentelement to the other components of the main part only at the point ofuse to be provided. In such a case, the other components of the mainpart are already prefabricated ex works so as to form a diaper chassis.

In the simplest and preferred case, the rearward side portions areconfigured so as to be rectangular, that is to say that said sideportions are delimited by peripheries that run in the transversedirection and in the longitudinal direction of the disposableincontinence diaper. At least the proximal portion of the extent Q ofthe side portions is preferably delimited by the peripheries running inthe transverse direction.

A respective elastic or elasticized region of the rearward side portionsis also advantageously configured so as to be rectangular, that is tosay that said regions are delimited by peripheries that run in thetransverse direction and in the longitudinal direction of the disposableincontinence diaper. Furthermore preferably, a respective elastic orelasticized region extends across the full length of the side portions(in the longitudinal direction of the disposable incontinence diaper).

The extent of a respective elastic or elasticized region of the rearwardside portions in the transverse direction in the non-elongated state ispreferably 40 to 120 mm, in particular 60 to 100 mm.

The extent Q of the planar spread-out but not elongated rearward sideportions beyond the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery of the mainpart in the transverse direction of the disposable incontinence diaperis preferably 130 to 280 mm, in particular 170 to 250 mm.

The extent B of the rearward side portions in the longitudinal directionin the region of the joint with the main part is 100 to 200 mm, inparticular 120 to 170 mm.

An extent QE of a respective elastic or elasticized region of therearward side portions in the transverse direction, and a maximum extentQ of the rearward side portions beyond the respective rearward laterallongitudinal periphery, are preferably dimensioned in such that themutual ratio of the extents QE/Q is 0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular0.30<QE/Q<0.45.

In the case of the T-shaped disposable incontinence diaper according tothe invention it has proven particularly advantageous for the extent Qin the transverse direction of the rearward side portions beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and a maximum extentB in the longitudinal direction of the rearward side portions, to bedimensioned such that the mutual ratio of the extents Q/B is1.0<Q/B<2.0. In the case of belt diapers, this ratio is higher by amultiple.

It is furthermore proposed that the two rearward side portions in thelongitudinal direction have a spacing from a rearward transverseperiphery of the main part of at least 1 mm, in particular of at least 5mm, in particular of at least 10 mm, in particular of at least 15 mm, inparticular of at most 50 mm. It is guaranteed on account thereof thatthe transverse tensile forces that when placing are exerted by way ofthe closure means and herein are introduced into the back region of themain part are “distributed” to a comparatively large portion of the mainpart.

It furthermore proves advantageous for a straight line that extends inthe transverse direction and is tangent to the respective closure meanson the crotch-facing side to intersect the absorbent element. This canpreferably then be implemented when the two rearward side portions inthe longitudinal direction have a spacing from the rearward transverseperiphery of the main part, as has been mentioned above. It is providedin particular that a straight line that extends in the transversedirection, and in the longitudinal direction bisects the side portionsin the region of the joint with the main part, intersects the absorbentelement. This stabilizes the bearing of the absorbent element andsupports a correct fit of the diaper.

It furthermore proves advantageous for each rearward side portion tohave exactly one closure means. The closure means are typically a tabfrom a single-layer or multiple-layer flat material which, proceedingfrom a configuration that is typically folded inward onto the sideportion about a distal longitudinal periphery of the viewed sideportion, is capable of being unfolded to an operating position that isfolded outward. A respective closure means is equipped with adhesiveand/or mechanically adhering regions, layers, or elements, such ashook-and-loop materials, for example, in a manner known per se whichtherefore does not require any further description. In as far as theside portion has exactly one closure means, it proves advantageous forsaid closure means to be provided in a distal region of the side portionso as to be approximately centric in the longitudinal direction. Itfurthermore proves advantageous for the respective closure means to havean extent in the longitudinal direction that is between 25% and 75% ofthe extent B of the side portion in the longitudinal direction.Furthermore, the respective closure means in the folded-in and theunfolded state are preferably configured so as to be rectangular. Saidclosure means in the non-active configuration ex works are preferablyfolded inward onto themselves.

In terms of the dimensions of the main part of the disposableincontinence diaper it has proven advantageous for the extent of themain part in the transverse direction in the back region and/or or inthe front region to be 250 mm to 550 mm, in particular 300 to 520 mm.The front region and the back regions of the main part preferably havethe same transverse extent (measured in mm).

The extent of the main part in the longitudinal direction is preferably700 to 1200 mm, in particular 800 to 1100 mm.

The main part can be provided with a constriction in the transversedirection, consequently a leg opening contour, in the crotch region. Inan alternative embodiment, the main part is configured so as to berectangular.

The elastic or elasticized regions of the rearward side portions can beimplemented by way of means that per se are commonplace to a personskilled in the art. For example, portions per se of elastic materialssuch as elastic films or elastic non-woven materials, can thus be joinedto non-elongatable portions of the rearward side portions by joiningmethods such as adhesive bonding or thermal welding or ultrasonicwelding.

A further possibility for achieving an elastification in regions lies inthat the rearward side portions in regions are preferably “activated” bya technology that has become known as “ring rolling”. This technology isdescribed, for example, in EP 0 650 714 A1. A material that per se isnot elongatable, for example a non-woven/film laminate, issuper-elongated by “ring rolling” by way of an excessive deflectionbetween mutually meshing rollers. In this super-elongated state, thatmaterial of the laminate that previously was not elongatable per se doesnot offer any substantial resistance to being stretched in terms oflength. By way of a combination with an elastically elongatable elementwithin a laminate of this type, an elastic elongation capability cantherefore be achieved in the correspondingly treated region. As analternative thereto, elasticizing means such as elastic film portions orthreads, in particular Lycra or Spandex threads in the pre-tensionedstate, can be connected in regions with the flat materials, inparticular non-woven materials, that form the remainder of the sideportions (stretch-bonding).

The rearward side portions in the use situation are brought to overlapwith the external side of the front region of the main part, in orderthat closure means that are provided in the region of the respectivefree ends of both rearward side portions can be closed on the externalside of the main part of the diaper. To this end, the closure means andat least one region of the external side of the main part are configuredas a closure system. To this end, the closure means have in particularmechanical closure elements such as hook elements, in particular also incombination with adhesively bonding regions, by means of which theclosure means are capable of being rendered so as to engage in areleasable adhering manner with the external side of the main part. Tothis end, it has proven advantageous for the external side of the mainpart to be at least in regions, preferably completely, formed by acorrespondingly configured non-woven material. Alternatively, it ispossible for a separate hook pile element to be provided on the externalside of the front region of the main part, said separate hook pileelement serving as a landing zone for the closure means of the sideportions.

Although the rearward side portions in the transverse direction aresignificantly shorter than in the case of belt diapers, it neverthelessproves advantageous for the rearward side portions ex works to be foldedonto themselves about at least two side portion folding axes that run inthe longitudinal direction and for the folded configuration thusobtained to be preferably fixed ex works, for instance by way ofindividual joints, in particular adhesive spots or ultrasonically weldedspots which nevertheless are manually releasable in a comparativelysimple manner by the user in order for the side portions to be unfolded.In this case, a single closure means that in the longitudinal directionis positioned so as to be approximately centric on the side portionspreferably proves to be advantageous, wherein the joints do not acquirethe folded-in closure means but are disposed so as to be outside theclosure means in the longitudinal direction. When the part-regions thatbear on one another are releasably fixed by the aforementioned measuresabout the at least one closure means that is tucked inward, or in thelongitudinal direction above or below the tucked-in closure means, thetucked-in closure means thus forms a holding region that is readilycapable of being gripped for unfolding the respective side portion.

It furthermore proves advantageous for the rearward side portions exworks to be folded onto themselves about at least two side portionfolding axes that run in the longitudinal direction and on account ofthese side portion folding axes part-regions, folded on top of oneanother, of the rearward side portions to be defined and delimited, andfor a part-region that in the transverse direction is outboard to beconfigured so as to be substantially non-elongatable. On accountthereof, in particular the ability of gripping the side portion as wellas the folded-in closure means and the unfolding capability of said sideportion and of said closure means are improved.

It furthermore proves advantageous for a part-region that inwardlyadjoins the outboard part-region, proceeding from the outer folding axisthat runs in the longitudinal direction, by way of at least 40% of thearea of said part-region to be configured so as to be non-elongatable.These at least 40% of the area are thus determined proceeding from theoutboard folding axis in that, an imaginary line that is parallel withthe folding axis, proceeding from the latter, is moved inward in a quasiscanning manner in the transverse direction until said imaginary linemeets an elongatable region. The scanned area is then determined andcompared to the overall plan view area of the part-region. It isachieved on account thereof that the part-region that in the transverseregion is outboard, and the part-region inwardly adjoining the latter,in a planar manner bear on one another across a very largenon-elongatable area (of at least 40% of the area of the last-mentionedpart-region) which consequently is free of elastic or elasticizingelements.

The extent U of a respective non-elongatable region of the part-regionthat inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region, proceeding from theouter folding axis that runs in the longitudinal direction, in thetransverse direction up to the start of an elongatable region ispreferably at least 15 mm, in particular at least 20 mm, furthermore inparticular at least 25 mm, further preferably at least 30 mm, butpreferably at most 100 mm, furthermore preferably at most 70 mm.

It is furthermore proposed that a respective side portion folding axisthat in the unfolded state is inboard, thus adjacent to the rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery of the main part, runs within the elasticor elasticized region of the respective side portion. On accountthereof, the stiffening effect of each fold which is undesirable per sein the case of a flat material can be reduced.

However, it proves advantageous for a respective side portion foldingaxis that in the unfolded state is further outboard in the transversedirection to run within the non-elongatable region of the rearward sideportions. The stiffening effect of the folding axis can indeed bedesirable specifically therein, since on account thereof theintroduction of the tensile force by way of the closure means isdistributed more uniformly to the side portions.

It is furthermore proposed that the rearward side portions ex works arefolded onto themselves about exactly two side portion folding axes thatrun in the longitudinal direction such that exactly three part-regionsof the side portions are formed, and such that the central part-region,proceeding from the outer folding axis that runs in the longitudinaldirection, by way of at least 40% of the area thereof is configured soas to be non-elongatable.

It preferably applies to the folded-in configuration of the rearwardside portions that an extent A in the transverse direction of therearward side portions that are folded onto themselves beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery, and an extent B inthe longitudinal direction of the rearward side portions that are foldedonto themselves, are dimensioned such that the mutual ratio of theextents A/B is 0.5<A/B<1.

Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposable incontinence diapers,the main part, together with the rearward side portions that are foldedonto themselves, is preferably ex works folded inward onto itself abouta first and a second main part folding axis that in each case run in thelongitudinal direction in such a manner that the rearward side portionson both sides come to lie so as to at least partially overlap oneanother in the direction of thickness, thus in a manner orthogonal to aplane that encloses the longitudinal direction and the transversedirection. Prior to the ex works packaging of the disposableincontinence diapers, the main part, together with the rearward sideportions that are folded onto themselves, and preferably subsequent tothe folding about main part folding axes that run in the longitudinaldirection as described above, is furthermore preferably additionally exworks folded inward onto itself about one or two main part folding axesthat run in the transverse direction.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention are providedby the accompanying patent claims and by the graphic representation anddescription that follows of a preferred embodiment of the disposableincontinence diaper according to the invention. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a disposable incontinence diaper accordingto the invention, in a planar spread-out but not elongated state;

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the diaper as per figure one, by way ofthe section plane II-II;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the diaper in the worn state;

FIGS. 4 a, b, c show in each case an enlarged and partial illustrationof the diaper as per FIG. 1 in the region of a rearward side portion, ina planer spread-out but not elongated state, having dimensions andfolding axes, respectively;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged illustration of the diaper as per FIG. 1 in theregion of a rearward side portion, in a configuration in which saiddiaper is folded onto itself;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view by way of the section plane VI-VI of FIG.5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustration of the diaper according to FIG. 4,having clamps of a device for determining the elongation capability.

The figures, not to scale but schematically, show a disposableincontinence diaper according to the invention, which in its entirety isidentified by the reference sign 2, in the so-called T-shape. The diaper2 comprises a main part that in its entirety is identified by thereference sign 4, having an absorbent element 6 that absorbs bodilyfluids. The absorbent element 6 preferably comprises cellulose fibersand super-absorbent polymer particles (SAP). The absorbent element 6 isdisposed between two planar materials, specifically a liquid-permeablecover layer 60 (top sheet) and a liquid-impermeable back layer 62 (backsheet) of the diaper main part 4.

In the case of the diaper 2, a longitudinal direction 8 and a transversedirection 10 are distinguishable, wherein the latter in the worn stateof the diaper corresponds to the circumferential direction of the hip ofthe user. The main part 4 comprises a front region 12 having forwardlateral longitudinal peripheries 14, a back region 16 having rearwardlateral longitudinal peripheries 18, and disposed therebetween a crotchregion 20. The main part 4, so as to be adjacent to a respectivelongitudinal periphery 15 of the crotch region 20, has in each case oneelasticized portion 17, consequently an elasticized leg opening portion.These elasticized leg opening portions are formed by elastic threadswhich run between the top sheet 60 and the back sheet 62 and in thepre-tensioned state are fixed to the top sheet 60 and the back sheet 62and which are curved in an arcuate manner, consequently by way of onecomponent are oriented in the longitudinal direction 8.

In the case of the T-shaped diaper 2, rearward side portions 22 which inthe transverse direction 10 extend laterally beyond the rearward laterallongitudinal peripheries 18 are provided only in the back region 16 ofthe main part 4, said rearward side portions 22 in the region of therearward lateral longitudinal peripheries 18 being non-releasably joinedto the back region 16 of the main part 4 in an overlap region 24. Therearward side portions 22 in the region of the free end 26 thereof inthe transverse direction 10 have in each case at least one closure means28. The closure means 28 is configured in the form of a preferablyrectangular tab and is folded in onto itself. The closure means can beopened, that is to say unfolded again, in the use situation, so as toplace the disposable incontinence diaper 2 on a user, wherein the sideportions 22 are brought to overlap with the front region 12 of the mainpart 4 and the closure means are fastened so as to releasably adhere tothe external side of the front part of the main part (schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 3).

As can best be seen from FIG. 4 a, the rearward side portions 22 arepreferably configured so as to be rectangular, wherein the latter aredelimited by peripheries 30, 32 that run in the transverse direction 10and by peripheries 34, 36 that run in the longitudinal direction 8. Therearward side portions 22 in the planar unfolded or spread-out but notelongated state illustrated in FIG. 4a have an extent Q of 200 mm beyondthe rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18 in the transversedirection 10. This extent Q of the rearward side portions 22 outside themain part 4 in the transverse direction 10 comprises a proximal portion38 that adjoins the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18, and afree-ending distal portion 40 of the side portions 22.

In the context of the present invention the proximal portion 38 isdefined as that portion that, proceeding from the rearward laterallongitudinal periphery 18 of the main portion 4, in the transversedirection extends across a length which is 65% of the extent Q of arearward side portion 20. Accordingly, the distal portion 40 is thatportion that, adjoining the proximal portion in the transverse direction10, extends up to the free end 26 of the side portion 22, consequentlyacross a length of 35% of the extent Q. An imaginary line V that runs inthe longitudinal direction 8 in FIG. 4a marks the boundary between theproximal portion (38) and the distal portion (40).

The rearward side portions 22 in the longitudinal direction 8 have aspacing d from a rearward transverse periphery 35 of the diaper ofpreferably 5 to 50 mm. The extent B of the rearward side portions in thelongitudinal direction in the case illustrated is 140 mm.

The rearward side portions 22 outside the main part 4 are configured soas to be elastically elongatable in the transverse direction 10. To thisend, said side portions 22 have an elastic or elasticized region 42.This elastic or elasticized region 42 of the rearward side portions 22is disposed completely within the proximal portion 38 of the rearwardside portions 22. Said region 42 in the exemplary case illustrated inthe transverse direction 10 has a slight spacing of a few millimetersfrom the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery 18. The elastic orelasticized region 42 is configured so as to be rectangular, and theextent QE thereof in the transverse direction is delimited byperipheries 44 that extend in the longitudinal direction 8, wherein theperipheries 44 extend across the entire longitudinal extent of therearward side portions 22.

In the embodiment of the disposable incontinence diaper illustrated, theelastic or elasticized region 42 by the dimension W=10 mm extends beyonda longitudinal central axis LM of a respective rearward side portion 22,thus engages across the longitudinal central axis LM, wherein thelongitudinal central axis LM in the context of the invention is thatimaginary line that runs in the longitudinal direction 8 and thatdivides a rearward side portion 22 into two halves that extend at equallengths in the transverse direction 10.

The rearward side portions 22 in the distal portion 40 of the extent Qof the rearward side portions 22 are configured so as to benon-elongatable in the transverse direction 10.

The respective elastic or elasticized region 42 of the rearward sideportions 22 can typically be achieved by interposing an elasticallyelongatable or an elasticized material in the side portions 22. The sideportions 22 in this instance are configured by material portions ofdissimilar elongation capabilities that are disposed sequentially andjoined to one another in the transverse direction 10. Alternativelythereto, elasticizing means in the pre-tensioned state can be connectedto flat materials of the rearward side portions 22. Furthermorealternatively, it is possible for flat material laminates that arenon-elongatable per se such as, for example, laminates comprisingnon-elongatable non-woven materials and elastic films of the rearwardside portions 22 that are joined to said non-woven materials in a planarmanner, by way of measures known in the prior art, such as by way ofso-called “ring rolling”, to be “activated”, that is to say renderedelastically elongatable, in regions.

The rearward side portions 22 are furthermore disposed on the backregion 16 of the main part 4 in such a manner that a straight line 45that extends in the transverse direction 10 and is tangent to therespective closure means 28 on the crotch-facing side intersects theabsorbent element 6.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 (in each case on the left) and FIGS. 4b, 5, and 6, the rearward side portions 22 ex works are folded ontothemselves about at least two side portion folding axes 46, 48 that runin the longitudinal direction 8. The side portion folding axes 46, 48herein define and delimit part-regions 50, 52, 54 of the rearward sideportions 22 that are folded onto one another (FIG. 4b ). It can be seenthat the side portion folding axis 46 that is adjacent to the rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery 18, thus the inboard side portion foldingaxis 46, runs within the elastic or elasticized region 42, while theside portion folding axis 48 that in the transverse direction 10 isfurther outboard runs outside the elastic or elasticized region 42, thuswithin a non-elongatable region of the side portions 22. The part-region52 which inwardly adjoins that part-region 54 that in the transversedirection 10 is outboard, proceeding from the outer folding axis 48 thatruns in the longitudinal direction 8, by way of at least 40% of the areaof said part-region is configured so as to be non-elongatable. In orderfor this non-elongatable area to be determined, an imaginary line 55that is parallel with the folding axis 48, proceeding from the latter,is moved inward in a quasi scanning manner in the transverse direction10 in the direction of the main part 4 (this being visualized by arrowsin FIG. 4c ) until said imaginary line 55 meets an elongatable region58. The area thus scanned is at least 40% of the entire area in the planview of the part-region 52 in the non-elongated state. The part-region52 here in the transverse direction 10 has a rectangular outernon-elongatable region 56 of a transverse extent U, and in thetransverse direction 10 has a rectangular inner elastically elongatableregion 58, said regions 56, 58 being delineated from one another by animaginary line running in the longitudinal direction 8. As has beendiscussed, the rectangular outer non-elongatable region 56 herein in thenon-elongated state comprises at least 40% of the entire area in theplan view of the part-region 52. It is also conceivable that thepart-region 52 that inwardly adjoins the outboard part-region 54 isconfigured so as to be non-elongatable across the entire extent of saidpart-region 52.

FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show the configuration that is folded ontoitself of the rearward side portions 22. The part-regions 50, 52, 54that are folded toward one another are releasably fixed to one anotherat the joints 59 illustrated in FIG. 5. These joints 59 are configuredby way of measures described at the outset. It proves advantageous fornon-elongatable regions to a substantial proportion to be releasablyjoined to one another in the region of the overlap of the part-regions52, 54. In FIG. 6 the exemplary joining of the closure means 28 to theexternal side of the side portion 22 that faces away from the body andthe folding back onto the body-facing side of the side portion 22 canalso be seen in a schematic illustration. Furthermore to be seen is theschematically illustrated exemplary joining of the rearward sideportions 22 between two flat materials, for example a liquid-permeablecover layer 60 (top sheet) and a liquid-impermeable back layer 62 (backsheet) of the diaper main part 4.

The dimension A of the folded configuration of the rearward sideportions 22 in the transverse direction 10 outside the main part 4, andthe dimension B in the longitudinal direction 8 are illustrated in FIG.5. The ratio A/B is preferably 0.5<A/B<1. The respective ratio Q/B ofthe side portions 22 in the planar spread-out but not elongated state ispreferably 1.0<Q/B<2.0 and is illustrated in FIG. 4 a. The ratio of QE,thus the extent of the elastic or elasticized region 42 in thetransverse direction, to Q is preferably 0.20<QE/Q<0.50, in particular0.30<QE/Q<0.45.

In as far as it should not be obvious in the individual case whether aside portion region is elastically elongatable or non-elongatable, thefollowing testing method is specified for the quantitative delineationof the terms non-elongatable, elongatable, or elastically elongatable,

respectively:

The elongation capability herein can be determined directly on the sideportion 22 of the diaper. To this end, a respective region of a sideportion 22 is chucked between two clamping jaws 70, 72 of a defined,identical clamping jaw width b of 50 mm, wherein the clamping jawspacing a is 30 mm (FIGS. 7 and 8). The clamping jaw width b hereinextends in the longitudinal direction 8, and the clamping jaw spacing aextends in the transverse direction 10, wherein the side portion 22 isin the planar spread-out but not elongated state. In as far as theregion to be detected should have an extent of less than 30 mm in thetransverse direction 10, the clamping jaw spacing a is chosen so as tobe correspondingly smaller. The test is performed proceeding from apreliminary force of 0.2 N between the clamping jaws 70, 72. Proceedingtherefrom, the clamping jaws 70, 72 are diverged in the transversedirection 10 at a constant speed of 100 mm/min until a force of 15 N isreached, and substantially immediately upon reaching the force of 15 Nconverged again, specifically again at a constant speed of 100 mm/minuntil the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N is reached. Theinitial clamping jaw spacing L0 in mm when reaching the preliminaryforce of 0.2 N is noted, on the one hand. Furthermore, the clamping jawspacing L1 in mm when reaching the force of 15 N is noted (this ispreferably performed in each case in an automated manner by way of theevaluation unit of the testing device). Furthermore, the remainingclamping jaw spacing L2 in mm upon reducing the force to the value ofthe preliminary force of 0.2 N is noted at the end of the test.

In the case of the elongation capability being tested in the region ofthe distal portion 40 of the rearward side portions 22, the clampingjaws 70, 72 are preferably positioned in such a manner that the latterare disposed outside closure means. To this end, the closure means canbe folded outward as is illustrated in FIG. 7. Testing the area that iscovered by the closure means is not required since the side portionstherein by virtue of the closure means are typically non-elongatableanyway.

In the case of the elastic elongation capability being tested within theproximal portion 38 of the side portions 22, the clamping jaws 70, 72are preferably disposed so as to be centric in the longitudinaldirection 8 in relation to the longitudinal extent of the side portions22, as is illustrated in FIG. 8. The above test is then carried out.Subsequently, the clamping jaws 70, 72 are repositioned in thelongitudinal direction 8 (repositioned toward the top or the bottom,respectively, in FIG. 8) such that regions of the side portion that areadjacent in the longitudinal direction 8 can be detected and the sideportion can thus be tested across the entire extent thereof in thelongitudinal direction 8.

For the purpose of evaluation, the term elongation is understood to bethe ratio between an increase in the clamping jaw spacing upon reaching15 N and the clamping jaw spacing in the case of the preliminary forceof 0.2 N, thus the elongated clamping jaw spacing L1 in mm at 15 N minusL0 in mm divided by L0 in mm, thus elongation [%]=(L1−L0)/L0.

For the purpose of determining the residual (permanently set)elongation, this is understood to be the ratio of the increase in theclamping jaw spacing upon reducing the force to the value of thepreliminary force of 0.2 N in relation to the initial clamping jawspacing (L2-L0) and the initial clamping jaw spacing L0, thus residualelongation [%]=(L2−L0)/L0.

In the context of the present invention, the distal portion 40 or anarbitrary region of a respective rearward side portion 22 is consideredto be non-elongatable when, carrying out the preceding test, each regionof the distal portion 40 extending 50 mm in the longitudinal direction8, and each region of the distal portion 40 extending 30 mm in thetransverse direction 10, permits an elongation of less than 50% in thecase of a brief effect of a force of 15 N.

In the context of the present invention, the proximal portion 38, or aregion 42 of the proximal portion 38, or an arbitrary region of arespective rearward side portion is considered to be elasticallyelongatable when, carrying out the preceding test, the region detectedby the clamping jaws at 15 N permits an elongation of at least 60% andupon reducing the force to the value of the preliminary force of 0.2 N aresidual (permanently set) elongation of at most 15% remains,specifically also when carrying out the test with clamping jaws that arerepositioned in the longitudinal direction 8. The side portion 22 isthus tested across the entire extent thereof in the longitudinaldirection 8.

In the case of the material of a side portion chucked between theclamping jaws breaking prior to the maximum force of 15 N being reachedwhen the preceding test is carried out, the breaking force thus beingless than 15 N/50 mm, the material will be considered as unsuitable forcarrying out the invention.

1. A disposable incontinence diaper (2), having a main part (4), havingan absorbent element (6), and a longitudinal direction (8) and atransverse direction (10), comprising a front region (12) having forwardlateral longitudinal peripheries (14), a back region (16) havingrearward lateral longitudinal peripheries (18), and disposedtherebetween a crotch region (20) that comes to lie between the legs ofa user, and having rearward side portions (22) which are joined to theback region (16) on both sides and which in the transverse direction(10) of the disposable incontinence diaper (2) extend beyond therearward lateral longitudinal peripheries (18) of the main part (4) andin the region of the free end (26) of said rearward side portions (22)in the transverse direction (10) carry in each case at least one closuremeans (28), whereas no side portions (22) are joined to the front region(14), but rather the forward lateral longitudinal peripheries (14) ofthe main part (4) form a free-ending longitudinal periphery of thediaper, wherein the rearward side portions (22) for placing and closingthe disposable incontinence diaper (2) on a user are in each casecapable of being placed in a circumferential direction around the bodyof the user and are capable of being brought to an arrangement thatoverlaps with an external side of the front region (12) on which saidrearward side portions (22) by way of the respective closure means (28)are in each case capable of adhering in a releasable manner, wherein therearward side portions (22) in a planar spread-out, but not elongatedstate, have an extent Q in the transverse direction (10) beyond therespective rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18), wherein alongitudinal central axis (LM) of the rearward side portions (22)bisects the extent Q, and wherein the rearward side portions (22) withinthis extent Q are elastically elongatable in the transverse direction(10) and to this end have an elastic or elasticized region (42) thatextends in the transverse direction (10) and in the longitudinaldirection (8), wherein this extent Q of the rearward side portions (22)in the transverse direction (10) comprises a proximal portion (38) thatadjoins the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18), and afree-ending distal portion (40) that adjoins the proximal portion (38),and wherein the proximal portion (38), proceeding from the rearwardlongitudinal periphery (18), in the transverse direction (10) extendsacross a length which is 65% of the extent Q of a rearward side portion(22), wherein the respective elastic or elasticized region (42) of therearward side portions (22) is disposed completely within the proximalportion (38) and reaches up to the assigned rearward laterallongitudinal periphery (18), or in the transverse direction (10) has aspacing of at most 30 mm from the rearward lateral longitudinalperiphery (18), and in that the respective rearward side portions (22)in the entire distal portion (40) are configured so as to besubstantially non-elongatable.
 2. The disposable incontinence diaper ofclaim 1, wherein the respective elastic or elasticized region (42) ofthe rearward side portions (22) reaches up to the assigned rearwardlateral longitudinal periphery (18), without however overlapping therearward lateral longitudinal periphery.
 3. The disposable incontinencediaper of claim 1, wherein the two rearward side portions (22),conjointly with a non-elongatable region (24) that overlaps the mainpart (4), are non-releasably joined to the main part (4).
 4. Thedisposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein the respectiveelastic or elasticized region (42) in the transverse direction (10) iselongatable by at least 70%.
 5. The disposable incontinence diaper ofclaim 1, wherein the elastic or elasticized region (42) engages acrossthe longitudinal central axis (LM) of a respective rearward side portion(22).
 6. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein the mainpart (4) in the crotch region (20) on both sides, so as to be adjacentto a respective longitudinal periphery (15) of the crotch region, has ineach case one elastic or elasticized portion (17) that extends in thelongitudinal direction.
 7. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim1, wherein the extent Q in the transverse direction (10) of the rearwardside portions (22) beyond the respective rearward lateral longitudinalperiphery (18), and a maximum extent B in the longitudinal direction (8)of the rearward side portions (22), are dimensioned such that the mutualratio of the extents (Q/B) is 1.0<Q/B<2.0.
 8. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein the two rearward side portions(22) in the longitudinal direction (8) have a spacing (d) from arearward transverse periphery (35) of the main part (4) of at least 1mm.
 9. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein a straightline (45) that extends in the transverse direction and is tangent to therespective closure means on the crotch-facing side intersects theabsorbent element (6).
 10. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim1, wherein each rearward side portion (22) has exactly one closure means(28).
 11. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein therearward side portions (22) are folded onto themselves about at leasttwo side portion folding axes (46, 48) that run in the longitudinaldirection (8) and on account of these side portion folding axes (46, 48)part-regions (50, 52, 54), folded on top of one another, of the rearwardside portions (22) are defined and delimited, and in that a part-region(54) that in the transverse direction (10) is outboard is configured soas to be substantially non-elongatable.
 12. The disposable incontinencediaper of claim 11, wherein a part-region (52) that inwardly adjoins theoutboard part-region (54), proceeding from the outer folding axis (48)that runs in the longitudinal direction, by way of at least 40% of thearea of said part-region (52) is configured so as to be non-elongatable.13. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 11, wherein a respectiveside portion folding axis (46) that in the unfolded state is inboard,thus adjacent to the rearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18) of themain part (4), runs within the elastic or elasticized region (42) of therespective side portion (22).
 14. The disposable incontinence diaper ofclaim 11, wherein a respective side portion folding axis (48) that inthe unfolded state is further outboard in the transverse direction (10)runs within a non-elongatable region of the rearward side portions (22).15. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein the rearwardside portions (22) are folded onto themselves about exactly two sideportion folding axes (46, 48) that run in the longitudinal direction (8)such that exactly three part-regions (50, 52, 54) of the side portions(22) are formed, and in that the central part-region (52), proceedingfrom the outer folding axis (48) that runs in the longitudinal direction(8), by way of at least 40% of the area thereof is configured so as tobe non-elongatable.
 16. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 11,wherein an extent (A) in the transverse direction (10) of the rearwardside portions (22) that are folded onto themselves beyond the respectiverearward lateral longitudinal periphery (18), and an extent B in thelongitudinal direction (8) of the rearward side portions (22) that arefolded onto themselves, are dimensioned such that the mutual ratio ofthe extents (A/B) is 0.5<A/B<1.
 17. The disposable incontinence diaperof claim 11, wherein the main part (4), together with the rearward sideportions (22) that are folded onto themselves, is folded inward ontoitself about a first and a second main part folding axis that in eachcase run in the longitudinal direction (8) in such a manner that therearward side portions (22) on both sides conic to lie so as to at leastpartially overlap one another in the direction of thickness.
 18. Thedisposable incontinence diaper of claim 1, wherein the absorbent elementcontains super-absorbent polymer material (SAP).
 19. The disposableincontinence diaper of claim 4, wherein the respective elastic orelasticized region (42) in the transverse direction (10) is elongatableby at least 90%.
 20. The disposable incontinence diaper of claim 8,wherein the two rearward side portions (22) in the longitudinaldirection (8) have a spacing (d) from a rearward transverse periphery(35) of the main part (4) of at most 50 mm.